The Show Goes on for Joe Nichols Despite Undergoing Back Surgery

Joe Nichols has been touring and hasn’t missed any of his scheduled dates, which is why we were shocked to learn that he underwent pretty serious back surgery just three weeks ago. Joe explained to The Country Vibe that he sustained an injury in the lower part of his back from doing a lot of long distance running that caused doctors to have to cut away some bone from one of the bottom vertebras and remove some ligaments.

He had the surgery done on Monday, June 30th, and his doctor told him, “I want you pretty much on your back for at least two weeks and your healing time should take about three months.” But Joe told the doctor, “I gotta work. I gotta go back to work on Friday. I have babies to feed. I can’t just not do anything for two weeks.”

Joe says the doctor told him, “I highly advise you not to do that,” but said with a bit of a laugh, “I told him, ‘The show’s gotta go on. I highly advise myself to do it. I’ll be in pain, but it’ll be worth it, because like I said, I’ve got babies to feed.’”

Despite doctor’s orders, Joe was back on stage just four days after undergoing surgery. He told us it doesn’t affect his ability to perform too badly and he doesn’t think fans can really tell when he’s in pain because he tries to mask his grimaces and keep a smile on his face. He said the hardest part of the surgery has been not being able to pick up his two year old daughter, Dylan. He was told not to lift anything over 10 pounds, but she comes running up to him with her arms outstretched wanting him to pick her up and he can’t do it. He worries that he is actually hurting her feelings, so he says that has been the hardest part of his recovery.